I urge anyone reading these reviews to apply critical thinking. Several appear fabricated, and a…read morenumber are clearly written by the same person using different names. For context: I am a parent who has volunteered regularly in both buildings -- classrooms and lunchrooms -- over four years. I have no employment ties to JAA whatsoever. In all that time, I have never once seen a rat or cockroach. My sons have repeated things they heard about vaping and drugs, but both openly admit they never witnessed it personally. Anyone who has raised children knows how powerfully rumors spread and how quickly feelings become "facts" among kids. When my older son had serious conflicts with two different students over the years, the school acted -- and both boys were subsequently removed. That is not the behavior of a staff that doesn't care. Is every single negative review here completely baseless? Maybe not, but the volume of dramatic, unverifiable claims -- many suspiciously similar in tone and wording -- strains credibility significantly. One more thing worth addressing directly: we are not Mormon, and we are not wealthy donors. We are an ordinary family who has simply paid attention, shown up, and seen a school that is far better than this review section suggests

We are deeply angry, disappointed, and shocked by our family's experience at John Adams Academy…read more(JAA). Like many parents, we were initially drawn in by their polished mission statement and strong community reviews. The reality behind closed doors, however, was a completely different story--we were shown the door almost as quickly as we arrived. As someone who grew up in predominantly white communities, I understand the demographics of the area. However, JAA severely lacks diversity--not just in the ethnic backgrounds of its scholars and staff, but in cultural upbringing and diversity of thought. The school is quick to label and judge families whose cultural background or parenting style doesn't fit their rigid mold. If you are a person of color, be warned: this is not a welcoming environment. For example, there's an expectation placed on young children that are completely unrealistic. Expecting preschoolers and kindergarteners to stand perfectly still and follow strict routines for a flag ceremony after just two weeks--with no room to move, explore, or get their wiggles out--is developmental absurdity. When children act like actual human beings instead of obedient robots, they are immediately targeted as "the problem." When we met with teaching staff to discuss normal, age-appropriate transitional behaviors, we were stunned by their complete lack of professionalism and expertise. There was zero long-term action plan, no strategy to mitigate challenges over time, and no willingness to help our child adapt to a new environment. They acted as if they had never encountered a child acting out during a major life transition before. Instead of partnering with us, the administration played the victim, framing our child as a burden until we felt forced to leave. The teaching staff lacks the experience and engagement needed for early childhood education. During my time observing, storytime was so flat and monotone that even I was bored. If educators don't know how to meet children at their level or honor their individuality, it's no surprise young kids lose focus. After consulting with multiple outside educators, it became abundantly clear that JAA operates on unfair assumptions and flawed developmental goals. To make matters worse, throughout orientation, interviews, and even during our withdrawal process, JAA repeatedly pushed us to rate them, asking if we "loved" the school and how we heard about them. It is transparently clear they are more focused on harvesting positive quotes for their website and social media than actually supporting the students in their care. If you won't even let a child stay and thrive, asking for a glowing review is insulting. Parents, please do your research. If your child tells you their teacher yelled or wasn't kind, believe them and run. We strongly discourage families of color (or anyone) from enrolling here.

Golden Hills Private School in El Dorado Hills is a standout option for families seeking both…read morestrong academics and a true sense of community. After having my kids attend for many years, we've consistently been pleased with the education they receive, along with the personal, hands-on approach that comes from being a smaller school. One of the things we value most is how much the school supports character building. Both of my children have grown not only in their learning, but also in their confidence, values, and overall development. The small class sizes allow for meaningful attention, and the personal relationships students form with teachers and the head of school, really make a difference. My wife and I would highly recommend anyone taking the time to check out the Golden Hills program. It's a phenomenal school experience.

They taught 5th grade math in 6th grade so when returning to public school in 7th grade the process…read morewas very difficult.

Silva Valley is awesome!!!! We moved to EDH in June so this is my girls first year at Siva Valley…read more The first day of school my daughters teacher paired her up with a girl that has been going to SVE so my daughter would know where everything was at. As a parent that works and you hear this from your daughter was awesome. SVE makes you feel welcome and have a great community to support the teachers and kids.

The best elementary school in the Sacramento area! We moved to El Dorado Hills from the Bay Area to…read moreget away from the school system. Being a mother with a child that has a severe learning disability, I'm extremely pleased with the academic support my child receives from the Silva Valley teachers, specialists, and administration. Makes a difference to have support from the principal. Very happy and will recommend this school to anyone moving to the area.

Exceptional, child-centered, high expectation administration and teachers. A highly collaborative…read moreschool with parents. Your child will love it at MVA - and, so will the parents.

My daughter attended Marble Valley Academy for 3 years. It was such a special place and I feel like…read moreit helped shape her into a more confident young lady! I really appreciate what Marble Valley gave to our family, so many fond memories!

Although I have long since finished my years at Brooks, I still retain fond memories of going to…read moreschool here. I lived nearby and walking was the best way to get to school. This provided many hours of developing a skill for internal contemplation. Also, I got very good at kicking the same rock to school and then home. I'm not sure how useful a review of an institution I attended well over a decade will be; perhaps you want to know how your children will turn out. I was here when they changed from the Brooks Badgers to the Brooks Bears. I think that helped me realize as an eight-year-old that mascots are bullshit. I learned to "just say no" here and have since said no at least two-thousand times. I developed my first crushes here and they never resulted in any teen pregnancies. I learned to ford a river, kill buffalo, and bury my sister who died of malaria playing a mess of Oregon Trail. I've never been arrested, so they must have taught me how to commit crimes and cover my tracks. Kidding. Sort of. An on-site vegetable garden taught me that you can eat raw beans. Or anything green and in a garden, really. I am actively involved in my community and spend time crime-fighting thanks to the superhero appreciation day in the fifth grade. That's probably a false memory, but at least I'm crime-fighting and that's what counts. I would give this five stars, but there were two huge drug busts in houses within a quarter mile of the school within the last few years. Also, I'm still bitter that I got away without actually learning long division. Then again, I made it through college without learning long division and every gadget invented in the past ten years comes with a calculator anyway.

Brooks is a top notch elementary school. Some very strong veteran teachers here. I am from the…read morebay area and I have been more than pleased with the education my children are getting here.

We have loved Bergamo! Our daughter has been at the Serrano campus since she was two years old and…read morehas grown in so many ways over the past three years. It is such a wonderful and welcoming community. All the teachers and staff know our daughter and us and it feels like dropping her off with extended family in the mornings. The mixed age class has been such a great way for our child to learn when she was younger and, now, develop into a leader and teacher. Her teachers have been amazing at developing a relationship with her and honing in on how she likes to learn so all the learning feels fun for her. We are so thankful for the past four years and sad to move on!

I would give Bergamo at Serrano 10 stars if I could! It has been a fantastic experience for my…read moredaughters, 2 and 4. They are in the Primary and Toddler rooms and have learned so much just in the year they have attended! I am constantly in awe at their growth, independence, learning of life skills and respect for others, themselves and the environment. They immediately felt right at ease here and are excited to attend each day. This school teaches all the right things at this age! My 4 year old is on the verge of reading already and my 2 year old's language skills are exceptional with her communication skills and ability to make connections. The guides, assistants and entire staff are all phenomenal and so caring and attentive to my little girls. The school really feels like a family and I am so grateful they attend here. I wish the programs extended to elementary and middle school as it will be a sad day when they have to leave this caring nest! Bergamo is Worth. Every. Penny!

I felt absolutely horrible for having my son (8 yrs old) move 4 months ago from out of the area and…read morenow once again after just getting settled due to medical transport issues for his grandmother. From the moment we arrived at this school the entire staff really did an outstanding job making our boy feel welcomed and safe at his new school. Thank you Jackson Elementary staff for helping my family and I transition to being part of your family. We are forever eternally grateful. God bless

What an amazing school! My daughter has attended Jackson for TK and is currently in kindergarten…read more The school, the staff, the principal, and the PTO have far exceeded my expectations. Go Jaguars!

We have a 1st grader and 3rd grader, and this is our first year at Rising Sun Montessori. Coming…read morefrom a traditional public school, we were looking for a learning environment that better supported our kids as individuals, but being new to Montessori felt a little intimidating at first. That feeling quickly went away once we experienced Rising Sun. The classrooms are calm, welcoming, and thoughtfully prepared, and the teachers do a beautiful job balancing Montessori independence with warmth, guidance, and letting kids be kids. Our children are growing in confidence, curiosity, and joy in learning. The community has been kind and welcoming, and Mr. Karl brings such a steady, caring presence to the school. We are truly grateful to be part of Rising Sun.

We moved here last minute at the end of 2017 and were looking for a place to continue our kids'…read moreMontessori education. Principal Karl kindly made space for both my 8 year old boy and seven year old girl. Their teacher, Mr Jeff, and Assistant, Ms. Deb, welcomed them with open arms and made them feel at home from the get-go. In a matter of days, both kids were talking about how much they loved their new school and all of their new friends. In addition to the social aspect, their Math skills continue to progress and their vocabulary and passion for reading has exploded. And last but not least, we love the close-knit aspect of Rising Sun. It's a small school with a big heart! Thank you to all at Rising Sun for making this transition both seemless and fun for my kids. Tom and Anyi P.

All parents beware of Russle Ranch Staff Member!!…read more I'm absolutely appalled this staff member is even allowed to be working along children and parents. Description of staff member a woman with gray tinker bell hair cut in her late 60s. Today I was picking my kindergartener up from school. I'm fully aware we are NOT allowed to leave our vehicles unattended. However, my child's class dismissal area was not even a foot away from my vehicle from where I was standing near my passenger door. I stood there so the could see I was present and the teacher would release my them to me where I could load my child into the car. They cannot open a SUV car door by themselves due to size. This person started yelling at all the families standing in the area saying "whose vehicle is this?" Which I understand why she was calling that question out. But this is where it went all wrong! I told her it is mine while I had my child in hand as I walked them to the car door. I was telling my child to hurry up because she was angry. And she overheard me saying that & she starts to argue to me in front of my kid as I'm strapping them into the car seat. As I begin to pull away there was two vehicles ahead of me, which were completely stopped and I motion to her to tell them to move as well, because she was screaming at me prior and I wasn't even blocking traffic. This lady proceeds to come up to my passenger window where I roll my window down to speak to her, and she proceeded to start screaming at me in front of my child. Instead of her acknowledging me and making it known to the other vehicles that they need to move also. She ended up screaming at me for the second time which this time I wasn't calm. I had to roll up my window because my child was absolutely frightened by how aggressive she was!!!!! Please note all the other families standing near my car heard her hostile tone she had out the gate towards me instead of being professional. All she has to do is tell me calmly the first time that I can't leave my car and that would of been the end of it. But because she decided to choose violence here I am leaving a honest review so families know the type of employees they hire here. I'm going to reach out to the district next because this is disgusting. Do better!

Russell Ranch Elementary has an amazing team from top To…read morebottom. The teachers and staff take a Strategic approach on our children providing them with the tools for growth in all aspects of learning. Many of which are involved in after school programs such as; Tutoring, Chess, and sports. Our children have been enrolled now for 3 consecutive years. They have grown from individual goals and are continuously challenged in multiple areas. We could not be more pleased then to have found this school and home to raise our children. We personally highly recommend Russell Ranch Elementary, as its top ranked nationally. David.

Good Lord they keep getting worse. Now they are scheduling meetings with my children without…read moretelling me. Just when I think this school cannot get any shadier. Guess what? They can and will.